Rescued baby hippo, descendant of Pablo Escobar's herd, highlights environmental debate

A vulnerable baby hippopotamus, found alone, dehydrated, and malnourished on the banks of a river in Antioquia, Colombia, has been rescued. Local fishermen discovered the calf in a rural area of Puerto Nare, prompting an environmental protection operation led by the region's environmental corporation.

The animal was transferred for veterinary attention and subsequently moved to a sanctuary at Hacienda Nápoles, the former private estate of notorious drug trafficker Pablo Escobar. This sanctuary now houses descendants of the hippos Escobar imported in the 1980s for his private zoo.

Colombia is home to an estimated 200 hippos descended from Escobar's original four, making it the largest population outside of Africa. These animals, descendants of an invasive species, have raised environmental concerns due to their impact on local ecosystems and potential risks to communities along the Magdalena River.

Colombian authorities are grappling with controlling the expanding hippo population, exploring measures like sterilization and relocation. However, limited success has led to discussions of more drastic actions, including culling, to protect national biodiversity. The rescue of this calf brings the complex environmental legacy of Escobar's hippos back into public focus.

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the animal presented a delicate state of health due to lack of food and water.